T20 Black Clash to screen live on free-to-air TV featuring ACC commentary

A host of New Zealand’s biggest sporting stars will make a rare appearance on free-to-air TV in the Hot Spring Spas T20 Christchurch Black Clash.

The January 25 blockbuster – which features the likes of Kieran Read, Richie McCaw, Brendon McCullum and Stephen Fleming going head-to-head in a thrilling T20 cricket match – will be televised live by TVNZ.

David Higgins, founder of New Zealand’s premier event company and creator of the Black Clash Duco Events, said: “Duco Events is absolutely thrilled that the Hot Spring Spas T20 Christchurch Black Clash will be televised on TV1.

“This unique event will bring together many of the very biggest stars in New Zealand sport in a truly unique, entertaining and compelling setting.

“An event like this deserves the biggest possible audience and that means being on free to air television. TVNZ’s coverage is a massive win for all Kiwi sports fans.”

TVNZ’s Director of Content, Cate Slater, confirmed the network had secured the broadcasting rights to the event at an industry function on Wednesday evening.

“The T20 Black Clash is shaping up to be an unmissable event,” Slater said. “We’re excited to bring New Zealanders all the action, live on TVNZ.

“Viewers around the country will be able to tune in and cheer on their favourite athletes, even if they can’t make it to Hagley Oval. No doubt there will be some tense moments as Team Cricket take on the challengers from Team Rugby!”

TVNZ’s coverage will feature live commentary from the hugely popular Alternatively Commentary Collective.

“To follow in the footsteps of some legendary TVNZ sports teams such as the 1990 Commonwealth Games team of Peter Williams, Richard Bryant and John McBeth almost makes us well up with pride,” says The ACC’s supreme leader Mike Lane said.

“The Alternative Commentary Collective will be doing their utmost to help bring this unique event to life live on TVNZ – especially before the 9pm watershed.”

More huge player announcements for the match will be made imminently, Higgins said.

“I certainly can’t remember an event that has gathered together so many of New Zealand’s sporting heroes in one place at one time,” Higgins said.

Team Rugby
Coach: Sir Graham Henry – former first class wicket keeper, world cup winning coach
Kieran Read: (C) right hand bat, All Blacks captain
Richie McCaw: left arm seam, played a bit of rugby
Israel Dagg: right arm fast, All Blacks wing/fullback
Jason Spice left arm orthodox, first class cricket and rugby player
Ali Williams Right hand bat, 77 tests for the All Blacks
Kendra Cocksedge Batting all rounder, Black Ferns vice captain
Kaylum Boshier Batting all rounder, Captain of NZU19 in cricket / Taranaki No. 8

Team Cricket
Manager/motivator – Scott Robertson
Stephen Fleming (plyer coach)
Brendon McCullum (C)
Grant Elliott
Luke Ronchi (wk)
Kyle Mills
Chris Harris
Nathan Astle